A Little Taste of Sunnybrae
By Barbra Fairclough
Tanja and Ian Hamilton moved across the lake to the Sunnybrae Winery and Vineyard with their two daughters in the summer of 2021 to carry on the wine making tradition that began with Nancy and Barry Turner and their family.
The vineyard of the Sunnybrae Winery was planted in 2006 and the tasting room opened with the Turners and the 2010 vintage.
The Sunnybrae Winery and Vineyard is in central Sunnybrae. With just over seven acres it hosts plantings of Siegerrebe, Ortega, and Kerner and as well two red grapes: the French American variety Marechal Foch and Pinot Noir.
Tanja explains that the grape varieties originate from Germany and are well suited to the more northerly cool climate. The grapes can tolerate less heat units and cooler nights. They also prosper in the moderate weather.
South facing with a 6% slope on the shore of Shuswap Lake the cool evening outflow breezes keep the earth bathed in moderate temperatures consistent with the local maritime lake effect.
With these grapes they produce varietal wines Kerner, Ortega, and Siegerrebe as well as a blend, Turner Road, a Rose, and a sparkling rose. Tanja confirms the rose is a blush blend made of primarily white grapes with 9% Foch.
Marechal Foch, Bastion Mtn Red, Redneck Red are red wines on offer made from Marechal Foch grape. The difference between them is in the oaking and level of dryness of the grape. Another red on offer is a Pinot Noir.
When Sunnybrae wine maker James Clark began in 2012, he started working in the vines and soon worked his way to assistant wine maker, taking over as winemaker in 2019, when winemaker at the time Jesse Steiley moved on to Monte Creek winery. James collaborated with Jesse Steinley and consulting winemaker Mark Wendenburg and more recently Christine Leroux.
Tanja and James both spoke to the continuous improvement process they are embarking on with Sustainable Winegrowing BC. James is in the beginning stages and there is a sustainability component for both the winery and the vineyard. This is a voluntary program, and they are working on vineyard side of things first. “We are trying to move from conventional to regenerative farming. Quality healthy fruit comes from good soil health. We are doing cover cropping, mulching and we are exploring new options for this. The winery we will do as a matter of process.” James says the winery uses ECO Glassware that is thinner and lighter and is made with recycled glass. Just another small part in running a sustainable growing business. Tanja confirms they are in year zero of a multi year plan to achieve sustainable status through the certification process with Sustainable Winegrowing BC. The process is multi year and considers economic, social, and environmental aspects of the business and is based on a continuous improvement model.
The wine club gets exclusive access to pre released and club exclusive wines as well as free shipping, complimentary tastings. Members commit to one or two shipments per year, and they include Sunnybrae favorites and new releases as well as the option to customize the shipment.
The nearly complete expansion on their outdoor patio makes for an inviting locale to enjoy Sunnybrae produced wines paired with local charcuterie. A relaxing place for enjoyment.
James noted the Ortega just won Gold in All Canadian Wine Championship. One more reason to pay a visit to the Sunnybrae Winery. A self guided walking tour of the vineyard and a relaxing visit to the winery is a great way to take a moment out of a busy day.
Through the summer on Saturdays there is live music on the patio. Tanja says, “We want to give people a great experience tasting on the patio and to keep things as local as possible.”
